Saturday, May 10, 2014

Space, Star Trekkies,
Battlestar Galactica, LEGO fans, and even science teachers this is definitely
the book for you, LEGO Space: Building the Future by Peter Reid & Tim
Goddard, No Starch Press, 2013. The title itself is not far from the truth,
with LEGO elements actually being used to design prototypes of space equipment,
and craft; as well as LEGO elements being sent into space (LEGO minifigs on NASA Jupiter Probe, and Building the LEGO Discovery: International Space Station while in space on the actual International Space Station).The European Space Agency (ESA) has been working on a LEGO
prototype of a spacecraft that will be built and sent into space to try and
take samples from an asteroid.

This book is unique because
it is not just about building LEGO models, it gives a brief history of The
Space Age: illustrated with LEGO scenes – awesome.

Then the book blasts off into
a storyline that Star Trek fans would love – The Federation, telling a story
about a world space federation forming during the mid-21st. Century
to explore the wonders of space. Although it is fictional, it includes facts
and ideas that are currently being entertained by space agencies such as NASA
and the ESA as they look to the future. As the story continues it is
wonderfully illustrated with LEGO scenes, models, and descriptions of awesome
spacecraft, and excellent building instructions for the smaller, simpler models
featured in the book.

As a former teacher I would have used this book in my classroom, as another tool for teaching. Science teachers teaching
Space Science should definitely consider using this book as another resource.
I think students would find it interesting to see LEGO models of spacecraft and
futuristic space colonies in the book; and teachers, you can try building models
for demonstrations during your teaching of the subject or as a hands-on
activity having students build models.LEGO elements can definitely be used as another medium for research
projects and LEGO Space: Building the Future is a good resource for ideas.

As a bonus, if you order the book from No Starch Press, you can get a
free ebook for your tablet device, which is great zooming in on pictures of models
and building instructions. A great book and fun read to add to your collection...Note: To see other book reviews on this blog, type in "A Review" in the Search This Blog.*

STEM to STEAM

Not to long ago the U.S. educational system realized it was lagging in the areas of math, and science. So STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Math became the new focus in education in an attempt to improve the quality of these subjects, get students interested in these subjects so that we could inspire them to pursue careers in these areas. LEGO Technology and Mindstorms Robotics is a natural tool for teaching STEM.

Now there is a new movement emerging STEM + ART (and DESIGN) = STEAM. Well, you might be saying, “Oh no, not another buzz word.” However, if you think about, Art and Design can be found in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Art and Design can actually help improve on our innovations in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math in our quest to improve the quality of life and our future existence.

And of course, LEGO Technology, Mindstorms Robotics, and littleBits definitely fits in the STEAM objectives.

Learning Code

Inclusion!

Helping an urban community to learn technology!

This non-profit organization was created by one of my former middle school students & FIRST LEGO League team member of the Cyberbots.

Brics~2~Bots Curriculum

Why Brics~2~Bots?

It’s a challenge, it’s hands-on, it’s learning in action. John Dewey set forth the theory that we learn better by doing - we take the knowledge and apply it by building. With LeGology Technology, littleBits Electronics, & MINDSTORMS/TETRIX Robotics Engineering students learn by designing, building, & coding. The benefits of such a curriculum goes beyond the science concepts that can be learned, the math theories that can be explained, and literacy skills that are practiced through communication between students, reflective journals and design worksheets; students express their creativity & learn to problem solve together to reach a goal - creating and inventing “cool devices” capable of awesome tasks. LeGology Technology, littleBits Electronics, & Robotics Engineering (Brics~2~Bots) are great for a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts/Design, Math) program, because it touches on all these subjects.

To see some of the projects by students at Brics~2~Bots, type in "B2B Lab" in the Search This Blog in the sidebar.

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About Me

I have been involved with LEGO® & robotics since 2002. I was the coach of NYC-FLL championship teams: Techno-Eagles, roboGbots, NYCityzens, Dragonbotz, Vulcabotz, Optibotz & The Cyberbots (FLL & FTC). Currently, I am a part-time robotics consultant who sets up LEGO Technology & robotics programs, conducts NXT & EV3 robotics workshops for schools & various organizations (AMNH). I am the Director/Instructor of Brics~2~Bots; a mini LEGO center that supports the S.T.E.A.M. initiative providing individual & small group instruction to children, gifted to special needs. Training & mentoring for new FLL coaches is also available. I am un-shamefully an AFOLAR - Adult Fan Of LEGO And Robotics! ;-)